Key Issue 3

What do you think about the shift to the common core standards? How big a role do you think the board of education should play in setting the curriculum for students and what ideas do you have for changes to the current curriculum?

I believe common core was meant to be an upgrade to previously applied teaching standards. Currently, teachers are trained to create their own curriculum, lesson plans, etc. The Board should provide some minimal oversight and perhaps set some general criteria. Then the Board should let the teachers be free to do their jobs.

How satisfied are you that your district is preparing students for the next stage in their lives, whether it be from elementary into high school or high school into college or full-time employment? What changes, if any, do you think need to be made?

I have 2 products from the District 59 system. One is Nick Strzelecki. He just graduated from Valparaiso University last May. He is a teacher. Alexander Strzelecki will graduate this May from Illinois State University. His degree will be in Theater. I think District 59 did just fine with my sons. They went to John Jay/Forest View and then Holmes Junior High.

What budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax increases?

My best guess is that there will be a hold the line philosophy in budgeting issues.

As contract talks come up with various school employee groups, do you believe the district should ask for concessions from its employees, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?

I would have to see the current contract. I do not believe any drastic actions have to be taken at this time. I think something to watch or research will be health care costs and pension issues. I think there might be some cost saving out there in the energy related field.

If your district had a superintendent or other administrator nearing retirement, would you support a substantial increase in his or her pay to help boost pension benefits? Why or why not?